As we wave goodbye to 2020, we took a moment to reflect on the highlights — and to look ahead to what’s coming in 2021!
SAOLA just turned three, and we’ve come a long way since the beginning!
2020 IN REVIEW
- Like everyone else, we have been heavily impacted by COVID. Thankfully, the whole team stayed nimble and adapted quickly. In addition to providing maximum support to our retailers, our website sales have taken off (really taken off!). From all of us at SAOLA — thank you so much for sticking with us during these challenging times.
- Since day one, Guillaume has built a hardworking team (shoutout to Mathieu, Maro, Jesse, Xavier, and everyone who’s been part of the journey). But, in 2020, two of the first full-time employees joined SAOLA: Apolline and Maxime to help on all things sales and marketing as the brand grows!
- We are thrilled to note that we donated over $7,000 to the Mwalua Wildlfife Trust. Founder Patrick Kilonzo and his team use these funds to supply water sources to Kenyan wildlife, plant trees, and introduce beehives in certain areas to encourage pollination.
- In 2020, we introduced innovative new materials into our production.These include the materials used in the CANNON BANANA (our most sustainable shoe yet): banana fibers, hevea milk and beeswax. We’re committed to discovering game-changing materials that redefine what “classic” footwear can be.
- We are working closely with new suppliers in Portugal in order to offer you new models with materials you never knew existed ... Stay tuned for more to come soon!
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Your average rating for SAOLA was 4.7 out of 5 stars — and we’re incredibly grateful! For us, this is extremely important. We take all of your opinions and feedback into account to improve future collections and our business model.
- 2020 also kicked off an exciting new chapter with our move to brand-new offices in Annecy, France. We are now able to deliver product quicker, and accommodate student interns in 2021! We’re excited to learn from them — and share our values, experience, and passion for the planet.
As we look forward, our goals are evolving!
TOP 5 2021 OBJECTIVES:
- Garner additional fundraising to take SAOLA to the next level.
- Hire new interns and employees to keep the business flowing.
- Launch new models made in Portugal with unique materials.
- Continue to be recognized as a top eco-friendly shoe supplier.
- Talk to you, our fans, as much as possible to learn from you and validate our process and products.
Thank you for all of your support in 2020, we look forward to the adventure with you in 2021! Happy New Year!
#MakeAnImpact
